Microsoft working on its own smartphone design?

Microsoft is working with Asian component suppliers on its own smartphone design but has not decided if it will go into mass production, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The report is certain to fan speculation that Microsoft will produce its own branded phone, akin to its Surface tablet.

Microsoft declined to comment, but CEO Steve Ballmer told the Journal earlier this week: “We’re quite happy this holiday [season] going to market hard with Nokia, Samsung and HTC. Whether we had a plan to do something different or we didn’t have a plan I wouldn't comment in any dimension.”

FierceWireless: Report: Microsoft working on its own smartphone design; TelecomTV content partner.